Smith's Jets Return
Geno Smith Leads Perfect Opening Drive in Jets' Preseason Clash Against Steelers
Key Points
Opening drive details showcased a balanced, 10-play, 69-yard march that took 5:56 and ended with Jelani Woods' 13-yard TD, with Geno Smith going 7-for-7 for 65 yards and distributing to six different receivers, including a deflected catch to left guard Dylan Parham and targets to Adonai Mitchell, Mason Taylor and Garrett Wilson.
Geno Smith had missed the previous week with an ankle soreness and did not play in the Jets’ prior preseason game; he practiced all week leading up to the Steelers game, with coach Aaron Glenn noncommittal about whether he would start.
Smith’s recent NFL arc includes a rough 2025 season with the Las Vegas Raiders (3,025 yards, 19 TD, 17 INT, 84.7 passer rating), followed by a March trade back to the Jets for a 2026 sixth-round pick; he remained confident in his level of play with remarks like, 'I’m extremely confident, but not arrogant' and that he still has room to grow.
Cade Klubnik’s first-half stat line against the Steelers was 8-of-12 for 65 yards, reflecting the rookie’s ongoing development as Smith delivered the more efficient completion-heavy series; Klubnik had shown potential in prior work, including two scoring drives last week.
Geno Smith returned to action for the New York Jets on Friday and delivered an efficient opening drive, completing all seven pass attempts for 65 yards and a 13-yard touchdown to tight end Jelani Woods CBS Sports. The 10-play, 69-yard drive gave the Jets an early 7-0 lead in their 17-0 preseason victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, signaling potential stability at quarterback after a difficult 2025 season with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Smith spread his targets across six different receivers during his lone series, demonstrating the balanced offensive approach that head coach Aaron Glenn and coordinator Frank Reich hope will anchor the position WFMZ. His poised performance comes after a week of missed practice time due to ankle soreness and adds momentum to a comeback narrative that includes prior Jets tenure and last spring's trade back from Las Vegas.
Perfect Opening Drive Showcases Smith's Balance
Smith's first-half appearance lasted one drive but made a strong statement. He went 7-for-7 for 65 yards in 5:56 of action, leading the offense on a methodical march downfield CBS Sports. His touchdown pass to Woods capped a drive that included targets to wide receiver Garrett Wilson, tight end Mason Taylor, and others across the formation.
The drive showed an offense distributing the ball effectively rather than relying on any single playmaker. One completion even went to left guard Dylan Parham, a deflected catch that highlighted the day's uneven overall conditions The Score. With Cade Klubnik throwing 8-of-12 for 65 yards on the second drive, the contrast between Smith's precision and the rookie's development became clear.
Smith's Road Back From a Difficult Vegas Season
The 2025 campaign with the Raiders tested Smith's resilience. He threw for 3,025 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions while posting an 84.7 passer rating — numbers that fell short of playoff contention NFL Catchup. Las Vegas and Smith parted ways, leading to a March trade back to the Jets for just a 2026 sixth-round pick.
Despite the tough year, Smith remained confident heading into Friday's game. He reflected on his abilities with measured language: 'I'm extremely confident, but not arrogant,' while noting he still has room to grow. His coaches saw enough in this outing to view him as a potential long-term answer after years of quarterback turnover.
Health and Availability Leading Into the Season
Smith had missed the previous preseason game with ankle soreness and sat out a full week of practice before Friday WFMZ. Head coach Aaron Glenn remained noncommittal about naming a starter heading into Week 1, leaving the door open for continued competition. The ankle concern has now cleared, and Smith's participation Friday showed he can move without restrictions.
Smith's efficient outing gives the Jets options as they finalize their roster plans. A revolving door at the position over recent seasons has created uncertainty. This preseason showing — clean, poised, and productive — offers the stability the organization has sought for months.
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